Anstey First School

Overview

Anstey First School provides an education that meets the expected standard, with pupils generally achieving well from their starting points. The school fosters a calm, nurturing environment where behaviour is respectful and attendance is broadly in line with national figures. However, inconsistencies remain in supporting disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, alongside gaps in the delivery of personal, social and health education.

Strengths

• Pupils secure strong foundations in reading, writing and mathematics through effective teaching and regular checks of understanding.
• Staff create a "calm, welcoming and nurturing" culture where pupils feel safe, valued and confident in their learning.
• Leaders prioritise attendance, following up absences quickly and working with parents to remove barriers.
• The curriculum uses "big questions and big ideas" to help pupils connect learning across subjects and retain key knowledge.
• Early years provision is carefully considered, helping children settle quickly and develop independence and language skills.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must rapidly embed the new personal, social and health education programme to ensure consistent teaching and knowledge progression.
• Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs requires improvement, as identification of needs and support plans are not always precise.
• Leaders need to strengthen their oversight of alternative provision to ensure quality and monitor pupil progress effectively.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to keep pupils safe.